🎓Careers

Year 10 – Subject Selection Preparation

This term, our MyPath sessions are focused on preparing students to make pathway and subject selections for Year 11.

Students are hearing from the Heads of Learning Areas about the subjects available within their departments. 

These presentations provide students with:

• Overviews of course content

• Information about prerequisites and recommendations

• An understanding of how subjects connect to university courses and career pathways

• Guidance to help students make informed subject choices

So far, students have attended presentations from:

• Science

• Religious Education

• Mathematics 

• Physical and Health Education

The presentation PowerPoints will continue to be shared with students and families to support discussions at home regarding future pathways and subject choices.

Planning for our MyPath Week in Week 9 is also well underway. This week will include a wide range of activities and presentations designed to broaden students’ understanding of careers, pathways and subject selection options ahead of their Subject Selection Meetings in Week 10.

Choosing Subjects for Year 11 & 12 – University and Pathway Resources

As Year 10 students begin preparing for subject selection later this year, families are encouraged to explore the pathway and subject selection resources available through WA universities and TISC.

These resources help students and parents better understand:

• University entry requirements

• ATAR prerequisites for different courses

• Alternative entry pathways

• Subject recommendations for future careers and university study

• Course and campus information

Curtin University has released its updated Year 10 Guide, which includes a Find U Quiz, course information, pathway advice and support services available to students.

Students and families are also encouraged to explore the TISC University Admission Guide, which outlines university entry requirements and prerequisites across all Western Australian universities.

Useful resources:

• Curtin University Year 10 Guide

• TISC University Admission Guide 2026 (2027 guide will be available in June) 

These resources are excellent starting points for discussions at home as students begin considering pathways and subject choices for Year 11 and 12.

Year 11 – Exams, Workplace Learning and Career Exploration

Year 11 students are currently preparing for upcoming exams and Workplace Learning opportunities.

Term 2 provides many valuable opportunities for students to further explore their interests and potential career pathways. Workplace Learning experiences allow students to gain practical insight into industries of interest and build confidence in workplace environments.

The upcoming Perth Convention and Exhibition Centre Careers Expo (14–17 May) is also strongly recommended for Year 11 students. The Expo provides an excellent opportunity to speak with universities, training providers, employers and industry representatives about future options.

Students who have attended in previous years consistently report that the experience was highly valuable in helping them better understand potential pathways.

Year 12 – TISC Applications, Early Offers and Pathway Planning

Year 12 students continue to participate in individual pathway planning and career counselling sessions with the Careers team.

Recently, representatives from TISC (Tertiary Institutions Service Centre) visited Mazenod to explain:

• How university applications work

• How ATARs are used for university entry

• How to structure course preferences

• Early offer pathways and timelines

• Important application dates and deadlines

Presentation resources and additional information are available through the TISC website and the students’ Careers OneNote.

Students pursuing work, apprenticeship or vocational pathways also attended presentations regarding Workplace Learning opportunities and preparing for employment after school.

The Careers team will continue working closely with students throughout Term 2 as university applications and pathway planning become increasingly important.

TISC and Early Offer Dates – 2026

Students intending to apply for university through TISC should be aware of the following important dates:

Students should also be aware that early offers are generally not available for courses with quotas, such as Medicine and some Health Science pathways.

More information can be found on the TISC website HERE.

Year 12 University Pathways – Murdoch University Law Start

Students interested in studying Law should be aware of Murdoch University’s Law Start pathway, which provides an alternative admission pathway into an undergraduate Law degree.

Law Start recognises that traditional entry requirements do not always reflect a student’s ability to succeed at university.

This pathway may be suitable for students who are:

• Performing strongly in one or more ATAR subjects

• Demonstrating strong essay writing and communication skills (English, Literature, or History)

• Interested in pursuing a pathway into Law but may not meet traditional direct-entry requirements

The program provides an opportunity for students to begin their Law studies through an alternative entry process while receiving additional academic support.

Students interested in Law pathways are encouraged to speak with the Careers team for guidance and to research the program further.

More information can be found here: Murdoch University Law Start Program

Medicine and Dentistry Pathways – UCAT Reminder

Students intending to apply for Medicine at Curtin University or assured pathways into Medicine at UWA should be aware of the UCAT requirements and key deadlines.

Key dates include:

• UCAT Booking Deadline: 15 May 2026

• Late Booking Deadline: 29 May 2026

• Final Late Booking Deadline: 5 June 2026

• Testing Period: 1 July – 5 August 2026

Students are encouraged to begin preparing early using the official practice materials and resources available through the UCAT website.

Preparation resources and practice tests can be found HERE.

Upcoming Event – Perth Convention and Exhibition Centre Careers Expo 2026 on 14 – 17 May

The Careers Expo is one of the largest career events in Western Australia and provides students with an excellent opportunity to explore future pathways and career opportunities.

Students can speak directly with:

• Universities

• TAFEs and training providers

• Employers and apprenticeship organisations

• Industry representatives

Students are encouraged to visit the Expo with their families over the weekend.

Find out more HERE.

Important Reminder – University Open Days

Students and families are strongly encouraged to attend upcoming university Open Days.

Upcoming dates:

• ECU City Campus – 9 August 2026

• Murdoch University – 23 May

• Curtin University – 24 May

Opportunities – WAAPA Short Courses 2026

ECU WAAPA has announced a range of short courses and workshops for students interested in music and performing arts.

These workshops provide valuable opportunities for students to:

• Develop audition skills

• Prepare for WACE performance assessments

• Explore pathways into the performing arts industry

• Build technical and creative skills

Students interested in performing arts pathways are encouraged to explore the available workshops.

Career Spotlight – Trades and Apprenticeship Pathways

Trades continue to provide strong employment opportunities across Western Australia and remain an excellent pathway for students who enjoy practical hands-on work and learning in real workplace environments.

There is currently strong demand for skilled workers across industries such as:

• Construction

• Electrical

• Plumbing

• Automotive

• Metal fabrication and welding

• Carpentry and cabinet making

• Refrigeration and air conditioning

• Mining and heavy industry

What is an Apprenticeship?

An apprenticeship allows students to:

• Work full-time while learning on the job

• Earn a wage while training

• Complete a nationally recognised qualification

• Develop practical industry skills and experience

Most apprenticeships combine paid employment with formal training through TAFE or a registered training organisation.

Why Consider a Trade Pathway?

Trade pathways can provide:

• Strong employment opportunities

• Good long-term earning potential

• Opportunities to work across Australia and internationally

• Pathways into business ownership or supervisory roles

• Practical, hands-on learning environments

Many trade-qualified workers also progress into areas such as project management, construction management, engineering support and business ownership later in their careers.

For further information talk to Mrs Johnson about trade and apprenticeship pathways.

Career Tools Reminder

All students have access to Career Tools, which provides information on careers, university courses, pathway planning and labour market information.

Students are encouraged to continue using Career Tools to support their career exploration and pathway planning.

Careers Newsletter

Please find attached the May edition of the In-Focus Careers newsletter.

There is plenty of news so please have a good read and enjoy!

Students and families are encouraged to contact the Careers team for guidance and support with pathway planning and future career options.

Tyrone Tuohy

Career and Pathways Coordinator